Theory Audio Design sb85 3-Channel Passive Soundbar

About The Theory Audio Design sb85 3-Channel Passive Soundbar

The Theory Audio Design sb85 3-Channel Passive Soundbar is in a league of its own, delivering surprising levels of output, clarity, and dynamics that go far beyond what most “soundbars” even attempt. Rather than sounding confined or boxy, the sb85 projects a wide, open soundstage that feels untethered from the speaker itself - filling the room with cinematic impact and detail. Since its debut in late 2019, it’s earned widespread acclaim from reviewers around the globe, many calling it the finest soundbar money can buy.

Purpose-built to match the width of 85” TVs, the sb85 delivers the broadest bandwidth and highest output in its category. Its sleek extruded aluminium body is just 96.5mm deep (100mm with wall brackets) yet still manages true full-range performance with serious punch. Mounting options include included Z-clips for wall installation and optional tabletop stands for furniture placement. Whether blending subtly into the background with its clean lines and fabric grille, or standing proudly on display, the sb85 looks as good as it sounds - and that sound has to be heard to be believed.

The Theory of Everything: Theory is genuinely unique - their products have completely changed the level of performance attainable from small to medium size installed sound systems. Part of the way they attain this level of performance is by employing proprietary DSP techniques to process the signal for their loudspeakers and subwoof­ers with a very high degree of precision.

As such, the Theory ecosystem of products is a little different than what you're used to as all The­ory loudspeaker models require the application of Theory High Resolution Digital Loudspeaker Processing. For this reason, it is best to think of Theory loudspeakers as "active" or "powered" speakers - Theory have just elected to place the electronics, normally installed inside the loudspeaker itself, in rack-mountable chasses, outside the harsh environment of the loudspeaker, and where wiring and service of the electronics can be accomplished painlessly.

So, when configuring system designs, always pair your chosen Theory loudspeakers with appropriate Theory Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers. These highly powerful and flexible units will make deploying Theory systems simple and painless and will guaranty the best performance available for your application.

Applications

High Output Surround Sound Systems: Residential and commercial media rooms, TV rooms, gaming systems, home offices, and bedrooms.

Background and Foreground Commercial Audio Systems: Bars and sports bars, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, houses of worship, screening rooms, lobbies, banks, museums and art exhibits, financial institutions, etc.

Corporate Conferencing and Education: Executive offices, boardrooms, high-end conference rooms, lecture halls, classrooms, etc.

Our Review

The Theory Audio Design sb85 3-Channel Passive Soundbar is an absolute standout, effortlessly blending stunning sound with sleek, modern design. Built to match the width of an 85" TV, the sb85 doesn’t just look the part - it delivers a truly cinematic audio experience with wide, open sound that seems to float free from the speaker itself. Its output, clarity, and dynamics are well beyond what you’d expect from a soundbar, making it a favourite among reviewers since its launch in 2019. Despite its slim 100mm depth (with wall brackets), it punches out full-range performance that fills a room with ease. Whether wall-mounted or placed on a console, it’s as much a visual statement as it is an audio powerhouse. Like all Theory speakers, it works within their unique DSP-driven ecosystem, meaning it should be paired with a Theory Amplified Loudspeaker Controller to unlock its full potential. From high-end home setups to stylish commercial spaces, the sb85 is built to impress.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: High Output Three-Channel Passive Soundbar for 85" TVs – Sold Individually
• Operation: Passive, Requires 3 Theory Loudspeaker Controller Amp Channels
• DSP Requirements: Requires Model-Specific Theory-Certified DSP Loudspeaker Processing
• Drivers
  • 6 x 5” (127mm) Theory Carbon Fibre Low Frequency Drivers
  • 3 x 1.4” (35.5mm) Theory AdvancedPoly™ High Frequency Compression Drivers
• Enclosure: Powder Coated and Anodized Extruded and Machined Aluminium, Fabric Grille
• Terminals: Twin Spring-Loaded Push Terminals
• Outdoor Capability: Indoor Use Only
• Mounting Points: Two Theory VersaSlot^TM T-Slots Running Full Width with 4 x M5 Captive Nuts
• Optional Table Top Stand
• Bandwidth
  • 54Hz - 23kHz, -6dB
  • 46Hz - 25kHz, -10dB
• Coverage: 125° Conical; 160° @ 10kHz, -12dB
• Sensitivity: 94dB (LF); 108dB (HF) SPL/2.83V/1m
• Power Handling:
  • 200W (AES)
  • 400W (Continuous)
  • 800W (Peak)
• Minimum Recommended Power: 50W RMS
• Maximum Output
  • 117dB SPL / 1m (based on AES power rating) per channel driven
  • >124dB SPL / 1m (peak) three channels driven
• Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Included Accessories: Theory Z-Clip Mounting Brackets (male and female) for Flat Surface Mounting
• Optional Accessories: sb Table Top Stand Kit
• Colour: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 1,829 x 241 x 97mm
• Total Installed Depth: 100mm Including Z-Clip Mounting Brackets
• Weight: 32.7 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years. Does not include misuse.

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.